Myths and Legends of the World

Kachinas

Spirits known as kachinas are central to the religion and mythology of the
Pueblo Indians of the American Southwest, in particular the Hopi who live
in Arizona. These groups believe that kachinas are divine spirits present
in features of the natural world such as clouds, winds, thunder, and rain.
They are also ancestral spirits that help connect humans with the spirit
world.

Each Pueblo tribe and village has its own distinct kachinas. There may be
more than 500 in total, and all are equally important. The Pueblos revere
the kachinas and look to them for help, especially in bringing rain to
water corn and other crops.

The kachinas dwell in sacred mountains and other sacred places. However,
they spend half of each year living near Pueblo villages. During this
time, the men of kachina
cults
perform traditional
rituals
linked with the presence of the spirits. They wear costumes and elaborate
masks and perform songs and dances associated with specific kachinas. The
Pueblos say that during these rituals each dancer is temporarily
transformed into the spirit being represented.

Kachinas are also portrayed in elaborately carved wooden dolls adorned
with the costumes and masks that identify them. The Hopi and other Pueblo
peoples

The Hopi and other Pueblo peoples use kachina dolls to teach their
children about divine and ancestral spirits. These wooden figures are
often elaborately carved and adorned; this one has horns and feathers.

use these dolls to teach their children about the hundreds of different
kachinas.